Other NI News In Brief

Community Policing Focus

At the first meeting of the newly constituted Community Engagement Committee of the NI Policing Board yesterday, members agreed that PSNI delivery of 'Policing with the Community' would be a central focus for its work in the term ahead. Chair of the Committee, Sinn Fein MLA and former republican prisoner, Gerry Kelly: "Our work is focused on policing in and with the community, understanding the issues that shape and influence the public's view of the PSNI and ensuring that the policing service provided is good and consistent. Real engagement between the police and the community is a critical element of service provision and this area will be a firm focus for our work in the term ahead."

Sad Day For Derry

The funeral is to take place later for the Londonderry teenager who drowned in Co Donegal. He was Sean McNair, who was just 17, who died after jumping off a pier at Rathmullan two weeks ago while celebrating a birthday with friends. The teenager's body was recovered from Lough Swilly on Sunday after an extensive search involving hundreds of volunteers.

Shots Slammed

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has condemned those behind the firing of shots at a park in west Belfast. The incident happened in Willowbank Park just off the Falls Road on Tuesday night. "This was an absolutely appalling incident. I am shocked at the reckless and despicable behaviour of those involved in this. The total disregard shown by those behind this is staggering. I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to contact police immediately," he fumed.

Sunshine Alert

As NI enjoys some rare sunshine, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has reminded local people that they don't need to go abroad to burn in the sun. The latest figures reveal that a total of 175 people in Northern Ireland attended hospital A&E units with sunburn in 2008/09, up 33 on the previous year. The shocking DHSSPS statistics also show that 42 of the 175 patients who presented at A&E with sunburn were aged 16 and under. Naomi Thompson, UCF Senior Cancer Prevention Officer and a member of the NI Melanoma Strategy Implementation Group, said: "People need to remember that although April was one of the warmest on record in Northern Ireland, the sun's rays are even stronger from May to September. Research by UCF shows that eight out of 10 people do not apply sunscreen at home unless they are 'actively' sunbathing. Our message is that you don't need to be sunbathing to get skin cancer - rather it is over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which can cause serious damage over time. It is important for everyone to avoid getting sunburned, particularly children."

50/50 PSNI 'Failed'

DUP MLA for East Belfast and Member of the NI Policing Board, Robin Newton has said that an apparent high turnover of recruits leaving the PSNI is a legacy of 50/50 discrimination. "I know of many people who applied four, five or even six times to join the police but were turned down for no other reason than their religious belief. The DUP secured the end of such institutionalised discrimination and I would encourage those who have been rejected to try again to join the police," he said. "The DUP has consistently stated our view that people should be recruited to the police solely on the basis of merit. A high level of commitment and a dedication to duty is something that everyone who serves the community in the police should have. Those who tried many times but were turned down because of religious discrimination have shown they are committed and want to play a key role in building a better Northern Ireland," said Mr. Newton.

SDLP Turmoil

Internal division is threatening Margaret Ritchie's leadership of the SDLP. Ms Ritchie replaced Mark Durkan as leader at the start of 2010 but is expected to face a challenge when the party holds its annual conference in November. It is thought the party's deputy leader Patsy McGlone might be ready to formally declare his interest in the leadership as early as next month. There has been growing discontent in SDLP ranks since the party lost two Assembly seats in May's elections.

Cattle Accolade

Galloway cattle, famed for their hardiness and cost efficiency, have been chosen over all other breeds to establish a profitable new enterprise by Martin Boone, a progressive young farmer in Northern Ireland. Martin, of Cookstown, Co Tyrone travelled to Scotland to source these 'great mothers' that will help generate another source of income on his 600 acre hill farm. In their new Co Tyrone home on the slopes of the Sperrin Mountains Martin Boone's Galloways will run on 1,000 feet above sea level hill land.

Public Appointment Boss Named

A new Commissioner for Public Appointments has been announced by the First Minister, Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness. They said that John Keanie - a self employed business consultant and Chair of A2B, a not for profit company dealing with access to benefits for older people - has been given the post. He was previously employed as Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Derry City Council. He has held a number of public appointments in the past and is currently an Independent Board Member on the management board of the Roads Service, a position from which he will be standing down. Mr Keanie replaces Felicity Huston who was appointed on 1 August 2005 and whose term of office expires on 31 July. The Commissioner regulates, monitors and reports on a wide range of Ministerial appointments to the Boards of public bodies in Northern Ireland.

(BMcC/GK)